After the international break, it’s good time to rotate some players in the line-up and give some rest to some key footballers who arrive tired after their games with their national teams. For this reason, before starting the defense of the Champions League title on Wednesday, perhaps Zinedine Zidane decides to rotate some players in the line-up.
Real Madrid host Levante in the midday fixture on Saturday. It should be an easy game against a newly promoted squad, although Levante obtained 4 points in the first two games. For this reason and taking in consideration that the Champions League start on Wednesday for Los Blancos against APOEL, some important players might watch the game on the bench.
For instance, Keylor Navas and Casemiro missed the training session on Wednesday because they were travelling from South America. Kiko Casilla could be the goalie, whereas Marcos Llorente could have his opportunity as a stopper, giving Casemiro some rest. Marcelo went back before because he was suspended, but Theo Hernández could play instead of the Brazilian, so Marcelo is fresh to play against APOEL.
In the midfield, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric played all the minutes with their national teams. The Croatian midfielder, especially, played tough games and Zidane doesn’t want to risk with him. So Kovacic could occupy his position because Dani Ceballos has some physical problems.
Karim Benzema should lead the attacking line after not being called by Deschamps. Bale played the 180 minutes with Wales, so he might need to rest. It could be also a good opportunity for Mayoral to gain confidence. Asensio and Isco should be as well in the starting eleven because both could rest a bit in the game against Liechtenstein. Lucas Vázquez didn’t play with Spain, so he should be included in the line-up.
Luckily, Zidane has a great squad available this season and he is a master in handling it. He showed it last season, where he gave opportunities to everybody. With the James and Morata’s departure, the quality is lower, but there are still enough good players to rotate and keep the level.
